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Northeast Georgia Health System is rooted in a foundation of improving the health of our communities.

About the Role:

Job Summary

Manages the development and maintenance of the recreational therapy program. Provides group and/or individual recreational therapy treatment sessions for all assigned patients. Offers treatment, assesses patient, participates in the interdisciplinary treatment team, and collaborate in the development and operation of the overall treatment program addressing leisure skills, socialization skills, community re-entry, adapted sports and other related areas. Provides services that meet the developmental needs of patients across the life span as appropriate to their patient population as indicated on the skills checklist. This position will care for patients in the child, adolescent, adult, and geriatric age groups. Employee performs clinical duties in accordance with population specific guidelines and adheres to National Patient Safety Goals as outlined in policy and procedures.

Minimum Job Qualifications

• Licensure or other certifications: Licensed in Georgia. Certified nationally with National Council for Therapeutic Recreational Certification.

• Educational Requirements: Bachelors Degree in Recreation, Psychology, Social Work or other human services related field.

• Minimum Experience:

• Other:

Preferred Job Qualifications

• Preferred Licensure or other certifications:

• Preferred Educational Requirements:

• Preferred Experience: One (1) year of experience as activities therapist.

• Other:

Job Specific and Unique Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Skills required in therapeutic communication, assessments, and recreational activities

Essential Tasks and Responsibilities

• Organizes and conducts appropriate treatment, collaborating with treatment team in assessment of patients, as well as developing treatment strategy, evaluation criteria, and documentation of patient progress. Coordinates and provides quality patient care via Recreational Therapy treatments. Works in coordination with other members of the multi-disciplinary team to formulate a treatment plan for each patient. Regularly communicates with the interdisciplinary team regarding progress and recommended adaptations addressing team goals from a recreational frame of reference. Documents concisely and thoroughly following departmental and regulatory agency guidelines. Evaluates, monitors and reassesses all assigned patients on a timely basis. Assists in discharge planning by assuring the patient has appropriate education, instructions and needed equipment in address leisure skills/socialization goals.

• Implements scheduled recreational therapy treatment sessions to enhance patient recovery. Conducts specifically designed and effective recreational therapy programs, individual or group tailored to the specific patient's needs and therapeutic goals. Responsible for planning, implementing, and transporting patients on community re-entry outings; coordinating transportation utilizing hospital vehicle per hospital standards. Assists in the coordination of patient activities in conjunction with the interdisciplinary teams for special events/socialization activities.

• Demonstrates effective communication skills, empathy, and unconditional positive regard toward all patients and co-workers. Explains treatments and procedures to patients and families. Asks for assistance from other staff when necessary for patient care efficiency and safety. Communicates information to co-workers and supervisors.

• Maintains commitment to clinical and professional growth and development for self and the program. Participates and/or instructs departmental, hospital, or community education programs regarding recreational therapy. Maintains professional registration with the Therapeutic Recreation Professional Association or is eligible for and is pursuing such professional registration within a time table agreed on with the division director. Serves as student preceptor in designated area of responsibility or as requested by Director. Assists in orientation of new employees.

• Other duties as assigned. Maintains recreational equipment to ensure optimal usage as verified by random inspection by the supervisor. Inventories and orders necessary equipment yearly to ensure appropriate equipment is available for patient use. Operates the recreational therapy program within prescribed budgetary limitations and submits a bi-annual budget report.
  

Physical Demands

• Weight Lifted: Up to 50 lbs, Frequently 31-65% of time

• Weight Carried: Up to 20 lbs, Frequently 31-65% of time

• Vision: Moderate, Frequently 31-65% of time

• Kneeling/Stooping/Bending: Occasionally 0-30%

• Standing/Walking: Occasionally 0-30%

• Pushing/Pulling: Occasionally 0-30%

• Intensity of Work: Frequently 31-65%

• Job Requires: Reading, Writing, Reasoning, Talking, Keyboarding

Working at NGHS means being part of something special: a team invested in you as a person, an employee, and in helping you reach your goals.

NGHS: Opportunities start here.

Northeast Georgia Health System is an Equal Opportunity Employer and will not tolerate discrimination in employment on the basis of race, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, disability, ethnicity, national origin, marital status, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected classification or status.